Since the publication of the 10th Edition of the
Connoisseur Catalogue and itís subsequent supplement a huge amount has
happened in the Machin world. The rate of development continues unabated,
making it impossible for a Machin catalogue to be produced that is not out
of date as soon as it is published. Connoisseur Publications have decided
to embrace technology as a means to counteract this problem, which has
been the main cause in the delay of publication of an 11th edition.

Although several sections of a new edition have been
worked on and completed, by the time that subsequent
sections have been finished the earlier sections need further revision, a
never-ending task, not
dissimilar to painting the Forth Road Bridge!

Now, by utilising the internet, the Connoisseur
Catalogue will be published in chapters as soon as they
are completed, making them instantly available online. It is also the
intention to update the catalogue
on a much more frequent basis, a godsend to collectors in this rapidly
moving field. Illustrations will also
be in colour, a significant upgrade to the black and white images in
previous print editions.

How will it work?

Initially, the website will contain pages from the 10th
edition and itís supplement. Over the next few months we will be adding
updated and new chapters to the website as soon as they are finished,
gradually building up the catalogue into an up-to date reference Ė we have
several almost ready to go. Initial attention will be devoted to single
stamps as this is the most popular area of collecting, but coil strips,
cylinder and date blocks, booklets and panes and other supplementary items
will follow in time.

During the initial process of adding to the website, we
will ensure that completed sections are still regularly updated with new
issues, new developments, new finds of earlier items and any corrections
or omissions should they be drawn to our attention. If you register your
address with us, we will even notify you by e-mail of revisions and
additions to the catalogue.

Costs

Whilst the website is being developed access will be
free to everyone. However, when we are happy that it is operating smoothly
and there is sufficient new content, we will ask users to pay a small
annual subscription to access the information on the site, although some
general information will still be free of charge. The cost of this
subscription will be significantly lower than a new printed edition and of
course, will always provide you with the most up to date version of the
catalogue.

Printed Catalogues

Although we do not intend to print a full 11th edition
in the imminent future, the idea has not been indefinitely shelved.
However, those collectors who donít have internet access or simply prefer
to look at a printed listing need not fear. We will be making available
individual chapters from the catalogue in printed booklet format, similar
to that of the 10th edition supplement. As these will be printed to order
on a digital press, they will always contain the most up to date version
of the catalogue at the time of order. You will be able to choose just the
chapters that interest you most, keeping the costs down. These will be
available to order online, via e-mail or over the phone, fax or by post.
Full details will be available on the website or via post in due course.